Equine Therapy, Gloucestershire
Musculoskeletal maintenance is vitally important for all horses in ridden work
I can help in two ways:
strengthening and conditioning for the physical demands of their ‘work’ through use of exercises using the Quad X Method
regular release of muscle tension and patterns of compensation through use of the Bowen Technique.
Regularly releasing muscle tension is an important part of helping your horse to perform at its best; and by helping to prevent everyday stresses from accumulating you may enable your horse to stay in work for longer. But as well as these potential benefits, many horses show how much they enjoy the gentle touch of this technique and seem to experience it as a relaxing treat as well!
There are many signs that could alert you to an accumulation of abnormal muscle tension in your horse. These include anything where you notice a difference between left and right (lack of symmetry), or anything that could be related to discomfort. However, it is important to first rule out any serious injury; this can only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified veterinary surgeon. For this reason I will always make contact with your vet before I first visit your horse, and ask for his/her consent to me using this technique.
Balanced movement
Whenever the horse is working one side of its body more than the other, Equine Bowen might be helpful in allowing a return to a more balanced movement. Depending on the reasons for this lack of symmetry, further training of the horse and/or rider may be needed as well. Signs of this lack of symmetry can include the following:
muscle development or wastage that is different on the left and right sides
finding work on one rein more difficult than the other
preferring one particular diagonal in rising trot
difficulty in one particular canter strike off.
Changes in behaviour
If your horse has shown changes in behaviour, or unwanted behaviours, you might be dealing with pain and discomfort from injury or from poorly fitting tack, from discomfort related to an accumulation of muscle tension, or with issues related to training and past conditioning. In all cases, the relaxing effects of Equine Bowen, as well as the benefits of releasing muscle tension, can be helpful. Situations where you might want to consider this possibility include:
headshy
irritable when girthing
fidgeting during mounting
spooking
bucking
rearing
Other ways Bowen can help
There are many other situations where the relaxation, or muscle release effects of Equine Bowen can be valuable. These include:
immediately after dental work to ensure there is no tension in the Temporomandibular Joint
during times of stress
recovery from injury, to support correct posture at this important time
whenever you feel that the horse lacks impulsion in ridden work.
You are your horse’s best expert, and best advocate. You may notice subtle changes in behaviour or in ridden performance that are not apparent to others. My regular clients each have their own story about how they decide when to contact me to book another session. These are very varied, and very individual, but they share a common understanding that maintenance of good health is always appropriate.
Prices
Equine Bowen Technique
£50 for each individual 60 - 75 minute consultation at your stables.
Travel included up to 15 miles from BS35 4BT; by agreement if further.
Discount packages:
£125 for 3 sessions booked and paid in advance
After care:
After each Bowen session your horse should be kept warm and given access to plenty of fresh drinking water.
Allow gentle movement, and give rest from work for 1 day, or up to 3 days if it is their first session.
Where possible arrange visits so as to avoid farrier work, vaccinations, worming, dentistry, and saddle checks within the first week after a Bowen session; this will allow time for changes to take effect.
Please contact me directly for all enquiries on 07775 808314, and to book an appointment.
